Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish featuring tender chicken pieces sautéed in garlic butter, served over a rich and creamy Parmesan pasta. This easy-to-make meal combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful dinner perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Bites
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken with paprika, salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
- Heat Butter for Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of butter until melted and hot.
- Cook Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Add Garlic Butter to Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the garlic butter, then remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat until melted.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Pour in the heavy cream and add garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Adjust the sauce consistency by adding some reserved pasta water as needed for desired thickness.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until every strand or piece is well coated with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Assemble and Serve: Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency for a silky texture.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier bites or breasts for leaner meat.
- Chili flakes can be omitted for a milder flavor or added for extra heat.
- Freshly grated Parmesan provides the best flavor and texture.
- Parsley garnish adds freshness and color but is optional.
